Friday, November 14, 2008

Now On released this mixtape last fall as a Radiohead-esque “pay what you will” download. How more people haven’t heard it, I’ll never know. Emcees Jackson, IX Lives and DJ Haircut flew right under the radar with this Detroit-worthy gem.

This is not your ordinary hand-to-hand, backpacker mixtape; there are no unoriginal beats or verses.Don’t Call It A Mixtape was produced entirely by extended-fam production team the Lab Techs, with a couple guest beats by fellow Michigan native Black Milk.

Even if you’re not the biggest Detroit fan, I urge you to give this mixtape a listen. If for no other reason, then because DJ House Shoes hosts it and will have you rolling. If for no other reason, then because Jackson writes some catchy-ass hooks that you’ll have in your head all day. If for no other reason, then because IX Lives’ pops is Squirrel from Motown-era The Dramatics, and talent flows through that family. If for no other reason, then because Haircut is an intensely underrated producer who’s got mind-blowing beats for days.

But most importantly; if for no other reason, try this mixtape because it’s just an easy, entertaining listen from some real dudes who make the kind of music that instills the hope we can take this hip-hop thing back from the bullshit.